Mourning Glory Grief Podcast

***Watch the interview on WCAT TV***

Show Notes 

When we experience the loss of a loved one, it can be devastating. While we know now that grief is a process and not necessarily a set of checklists, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and push our emotions to the side. But what happens when we lose multiple people close together in a series of heartbreaking events? How can we even begin to understand why God would allow these things to happen to us? And how can we remember that through it all, God was and forever will be with us?

Our Guest

Ronda Chervin has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Fordham University and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. She is a convert to the Catholic faith from a Jewish but atheistic background.

Dr. Ronda has been a professor at Loyola Marymount University, St. John’s Seminary of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Our Lady of Corpus Christi, and Holy Apostles in Connecticut. Dr. Ronda presents on EWTN and Catholic radio. She is a dedicated widow and grandmother.

More than seventy books of hers have been published by Catholic presses in the area of philosophy and spirituality. Her many books include Quotable Saints, Healing Meditations from the Gospel of St. John, Catholic Realism, Voyage to Insight,, Healing of Rejection, Escaping Anxiety, and Weeping with Jesus, which we will be talking about today.

Connect with Our Guest 

• Ronda’s email: [email protected]

• Ronda’s author page on En Route Books and Media’s Website (note: you can find all of Ronda’s books on her author page)

Devotions

• Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

• Novenas to Mary

• Litany of Loreto

• Our Lady of Fatima

Links

• Weeping with Jesus: The Journey from Grief to Sorrow

• The icon of the Salus Populi Romani after restoration (2018)

• MGP Episode featuring Deacon Ed Shoener

• Taming the Lion Within: 5 Steps from Anger to Peace

• Help Me Ronda! Episode about Weeping with Jesus

• WCAT Radio and TV Presents

•  Episode 4: Deacon Jack Sullivan on his Ongoing Communion with St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Part 1 

• Deacon Jack Sullivan on his Ongoing Communion with St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Part 2

• Myself, Alma Mahler by Martin Chervin (1 Woman Play Script Theater Without Walls)

• Help Me Ronda! (Ronda’s series on WCAT TV)

• Requiem for a Lost Childhood by Charles Chervin 

Prayer for Ronda’s father and mother and the souls of those who have gone before us including Gayle Edney and Todd Horne.

Journaling Questions

1. What loss or heartbreak am I carrying right now, and have I truly allowed myself to grieve it?

2. What questions have I been asking God about my suffering or loss? What would it look like to bring those questions honestly to Jesus, even if I don't receive an answer right away?

3. Rhonda spoke about having an “equal weight of horror and hope.” What does hope look like for me in the midst of my sorrow right now?

4. What would it mean for me to “weep with Jesus”? How might I experience my grief differently if I truly believed that Jesus is present with me in my suffering?

5. Is there anger, resentment, guilt, or unforgiveness that I am carrying because of my loss? What might I need to surrender to God?

6. Rhonda shared that vulnerability was something her son recognized as a strength in her faith. Where might God be inviting me to be more vulnerable—with Him, with others, or even with myself?

7. What is my “morning glory”? Even in the midst of grief, what is one person, memory, blessing, moment, or glimpse of God's presence that gives me hope today?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

Show Notes 

In this special bonus episode of the Morning Glory Podcast, Jennifer Thomas welcomes back bereavement doula and sociologist Abbey Jorgensen to discuss an upcoming summer book club centered on On Death and Dying by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Together, they explore common misconceptions about the “five stages of grief,” the importance of discussing grief in community, and how loss shapes our lives in many ways. The episode closes with personal reflections on faith, hope, and finding beauty even in difficult seasons.

Watch the conversation HERE on WCAT TV

Book Club Details

• Dates: Wednesday June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17th

• Time: 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

• Register HERE. (Be sure to use the coupon code, mourningglory to receive your discount.)

• Buy a copy of the book, On Death and Dying HERE

Links

• Mourning Glory Podcast S5 E13: Accompaniment in Grief with Dr. Abigail Jorgensen

• Haven Bereavement Doulas

Journaling Questions

1. Have you ever participated in a virtual book club? If yes, what did you enjoy most? If not, what are you looking forward to?

2. Have you read  On Death and Dying by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross? What intrigues you most about reading this book?

3. Abigail shared that the book “became the ideal model in the western world for grief, like the idea that there are five stages of grief and you knock them off and there you go” Has this been your approach to grief? Take some time to reflect on this and write down your thoughts.

4. What do you hope to get out of reading this book, whether you join the virtual book club or not?

5. What is your mourning glory?

What are some topics you would like to hear about here on the Mourning Glory Podcast? Are there people you would like us to have on the show? We’d love to hear your feedback and ideas so be sure to send us an email, [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out our website where you can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

~ Jennifer

Show Notes 

In the Season 6 finale, Jennifer and guest co-host and friend, Lisa Hendey, have a conversation centered on grief, faith, hope, surrender, healing, and the “seasons” of life, inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 (“There is a time for everything…”).

Click HERE to watch the video of the episode on WCAT TV

Scripture

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Man Cannot Hit on the Right Time to Act)

• John 11:35 - “Jesus wept.”

• Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.”

• Hebrews 11:1 - “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”

• Luke 21:19 - “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” 

Links

• MGP S6 E2 The Grace in Grief with Lisa M. Hendey

• The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn!

• USCCB Daily Readings

• Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning

• MGP S6 E15 Hope and Strength in Healing with Marie Heidemann (episode about Mental Health Awareness)  

• Marie Kondo

• Chime Travelers

Prayer for people to have peace within their hearts and for the Mourning Glory Podcast community; for those fighting battles inside that no one no one can see or that nobody realizes, to know that God sees and knows those desires of our heart and wants to be in communion with other people who might be suffering right now. You are not alone.

Journaling Questions

1. Which “season” of life do you feel you are currently living in, and how is God meeting you there?

2. What is something you are struggling to surrender or release to God right now?

3. When have you experienced both mourning and joy existing together in the same season?

4. What “noise” in your life may be preventing you from hearing God more clearly?

5. How do you personally experience “the gift of tears” — through grief, joy, healing, or compassion for others?

6. When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to be still and simply listen — to God, to nature, or to someone you love?

7. In what ways has God brought healing, friendship, or unexpected beauty out of a difficult season in your life?

8. What is your mourning glory?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

*NOTE: This episode was originally published in Season 2.

Shownotes

We talk a lot about grief and loss and suffering on the Mourning Glory Podcast but not just when it relates to death. Sometimes it is the loss of identity we may experience when we become parents or the loss of particular seasons of life. Listen as Jennifer discusses these topics and more, including how we can find the joy in letting go with our guest.

Our Guest

Danielle Bean is an author, speaker, and host of the  podcast. She has ten published books, including , , and . She and her husband Dan have been married 29 years and have eight children.

Links from the show

• www.DanielleBean.com

• Prayer for focus from Aleteia 

Prayer for the repose of the soul of Danielle's former neighbor, Louise

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com.  God bless!

Show Notes 

The month of May is often referred to as the month of Mary as we celebrate Our Blessed Mother. Mary’s May crowning ceremonies are commonly found taking place throughout many Catholic churches. One of the ways we can grow closer to her is through the praying of the rosary. But there are other ways we can get to know Mary, especially under the many titles she has been given over the centuries.

In this week’s episode, Jennifer has a conversation with Catholic author Maria Gallagher who has written about her devotion to Mary, focusing on Mary under the title of “Comforter of the Afflicted”.

Our Guest

Maria has worked in radio as a reporter and in television as a news producer. She is a writer, life coach, and a podcaster and loves inspiring crowds with her speaking. Her freelance news reports have aired on outlets including CBS Radio and AP Radio. She has also earned awards from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Cleveland Press Club. Maria loves communicating the beauty of truth!

Connect with Our Guest 

• Website: https://www.mariavgallagher.com/

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariavgallagher

• X: https://x.com/mariaevitale

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/maria.v.gallagher

• Email: [email protected]

• Blog: https://www.mariavgallagher.com/blog

Maria’s books

• Mercy's Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life

• Joyful Encounters with Mary: A Woman's Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary

• Glorious Encounters with Mary: A Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary

• Healing Encounters with Mary: A Guide to Living the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

Scripture

• Psalm 23

Devotions

• Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

• Novenas to Mary

• Litany of Loreto

• Our Lady of Fatima

Links

• Catholicmom.com

• Maria’s articles on Catholicmom.com

• Why Inner Peace Often Comes After Inner Struggle — Fulton J. Sheen | FULTON SHEEN REFLECTIONS

• Our Lady of Kibeho

• Our Lady of Lourdes

Prayer for Maria’s daughter, Gabriella during her time of discernment and for the repose of the souls of Maria’s parents.

Journaling Questions

1. What resonated with you most or surprised you about this episode about Mary? What inspired you most after listening to Maria sharing about her relationship with Mary?

2. What kind, if any, of a relationship do you have with the Blessed Mother? Do you struggle with having any sort of relationship with her? Take some time to ponder this in your heart and perhaps journal about it 

3. Maria spoke candidly about how her devotion to Mary grew through the different mysteries of the rosary. Have you felt more drawn to any of the mysteries more than others? Which one speaks to you most?

4. Where are some places in your life you feel like you could allow Mary to mother you?

5. Have you ever done a consecration before? Why or why not? Do you feel inspired to do one?

6. How do you feel when you hear the phrase, “To Jesus, through Mary” in terms of our prayers and petitions? Take some time to ponder that.

7. What is your mourning glory?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

Show Notes 

As we enter the month of May, we recognize that in our Catholic faith, it is a month dedicated to Mary. But it is also a month dedicated to Mental Health and awareness. And while there have been great strides made in terms of helping those who have suffered the loss of a loved one or are in any state of grief and sorrow, there are resources, how can we integrate our faith into our healing? And how can this help us understand that redemptive suffering can help us move forward in our lives?  

Our Guest

Marie is an Arizona native who has called North Texas home since 2006. A cradle Catholic, her faith was shaped through years of Catholic education and the influence of her grandmother, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Irish immigrant priest from her childhood parish, and the Franciscan Friars who led her high school.

She was married for 17½ years and is the mother of five children. After the sudden loss of her husband in September 2019, she felt called to walk alongside others in their healing, which led her to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University graduating in 2023.

Today, Marie is the founder of Spes Et Fortitudo Counseling in Colleyville, Texas, where she integrates her faith and clinical training to support those she serves. She loves spending time with her children, close friends, and traveling whenever she can.

Connect with Our Guest 

• Spes Et Fortitudo Counseling

• Contact Marie

• Marie on catholictherapists.com

Devotion

• Liturgy of the Hours

Scripture

• “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Griefshare
• Stephen Ministries

• Focus Ministries

• Redbird Ministries 

• S6 E14 Let Yourself Be Loved with Elizabeth Leon

• S1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark Myers

• International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers

• CatholicPsych.com

• Roundtable Discussions About Mental Health (USCCB)

• CatholicTherapists.com

Additional Links

• MGP S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivre

• Divine Mercy University

• St. Francis de Sales quote

• St. Dymphna 

• S3 E3 A Widow’s Camino: The Road to Healing with Sherry Hayes-Pierce

• S5 E5 New Grief, New Community with Lindsay Machnick 

Prayer for Marie’s husband, Michael and all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Journaling Questions

1. In the beginning of the episode, Marie stated that “God allowed for us to just experience life, although not always easy, but always reminding us of our faith all around us.” What are some instances of your life where you can look back to see that God was present?

2. Marie spoke about the meaning behind the name of her counseling practice, Spes Et Fortitudo, Latin for hope and strength. In thinking about your own times of grief and loss and sorrow, are there places where you found hope and strength through others?

3. How do you deal with changes and adjustments in your life? Have you found helpful tools, prayers, or scriptures that have been helpful?

4. Do you have a supportive faith community or trusted friends or family members with whom you feel safe sharing when you are feeling down or lost?

5. Throughout the episode, Marie and Jennifer spoke about several resources available to help those in need of support. Did any of them speak to you? Take some time to explore each of them to see if one could benefit you.

6. In thinking of your own times of loss or sorrow, where did you find comfort, strength, and support? Have you asked God to be part of your healing journey?

7. Marie and Jennifer discussed the importance of having patience with yourself through your own process of grieving. Is this something that you find difficult? How do you think having more patience with yourself could benefit you personally?

8. What is your morning glory?

We hope you enjoy the Mourning Glory Podcast Feel. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

Show Notes 

Nothing can prepare anyone for the loss of a loved one. As we continue to learn through the many stories we’ve heard here on the Mourning Glory Podcast, each loss is unique to each individual. But when a parent loses a child, it carries its own unique sense of loss for the parents and other family members. Where can people turn to find comfort, hope, and healing when grieving the loss of a child? Jennifer explores this and more with guest Elizabeth Leon, the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries.

Our Guest

Elizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries, a Catholic grief support ministry for families of child loss. Red Bird Ministries accompanies individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth or as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. They also serve families who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and offer sibling support for children ages 2018.  Elizabeth is the founder of the Journey of the Beloved, a ministry that inspires and equips others to find healing and freedom in Christ, a mission that was birthed after the death of her son in 2018. 

Connect with Our Guest 

• Contact Elizabeth

• letyourselfbeloved.org

Scripture

• Mark 25:21-34 (The hemorrhaging woman)

• Psalm 34:19 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted)

• Psalm 13:2 (“How long, Lord…”)

• Psalm 88 (Also referred to sometimes as The Darkest Psalm)

• Psalm 6:7 - (“all night long I drench my bed with tears”) 

• Psalm 13

Devotions

• Our Lady of Sorrows

Links

• Red Bird Ministries

• S1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark Myers 

• S6 E14 Permission to Grieve with Andrea and Jennifer

• Elizabeth’s book, Let Yourself Be Loved

• Red Bird Flies (song mentioned by Elizabeth)

Prayer for Red Bird Ministries and the families they serve and Elise.

Journaling Questions

1. In your own journey with loss, how long do you feel like you were deep “in the trenches of grief”, as Elizabeth shared? Have you found any resources or sources of comfort?

2. Where is a safe space you feel like you can grieve? If you have yet to find it, 

3. Have you ever struggled with your relationship with God in terms of “why” or did you, like Elizabeth, struggle with the “how”?

4. Do you feel comfortable sharing everything with God? Why or why not?

5. How do you express your emotions with others in times of need? Have you shared them with God?

6. Have you ever worried that those around you couldn’t handle all of the emotions that you want to share? Take some time to explore why or why not.

7. Elizabeth and Jennifer spent a lot of time talking about the Psalms. Did any of them resonate with you? Why or why not?

8. What is your mourning glory?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

*Click HERE to watch the interview on WCAT TV

Shownotes

We might often find ourselves going to the rote prayers of the Rosary or even the Divine Mercy Chaplet. While we may think they are separate, are they really so separate in terms of how we think of them? Or is there a way that God can bring us together through both of these prayers? Is there a way that they can, no pun intended, marry each other? In this week’s episode, Jennifer has a conversation with guest, Shane Kapler, to discuss the fact that there is a relationship between the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Our Guest

For the past 30 years Shane has been involved in evangelism and catechesis within the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He holds an M.A. in Theology with a Specialization in Sacred Scripture. Shane currently serves on the board of the Image of God Institute, an apostolate dedicated to unpacking God’s plan for the human person in the teachings of Popes St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

He is also the author of several books, including the one we will be discussing today, Marrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy Chaplet (2016). He has been featured on EWTN's The Journey Home, is a frequent guest of Catholic radio, and contributes articles to a number of websites, including Catholic Exchange and Epic Pew. Shane also holds an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology and is engaged in clinical practice.

Connect with Our Guest

• Website: Explaining Christianity.com

• Contact Shane

Links

• Shane’s books

• Marrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy Chaplet

• The Biblical Roots of Marian Consecration: Devotion to the Immaculate Heart in Light of Scripture (2022), 

• James: Jewish Roots, Catholic Fruits (2021)

• The Epistle to the Hebrews and the Seven Core Beliefs of Catholics (2016)

• Through, With, and In Him: The Prayer Life of Jesus and How to Make It Our Own (2014)

• The God Who is Love: Explaining Christianity From Its Center (2009)

• Tending the Temple: 365 Days of Spiritual and Physical Devotions  (co-author; 2011)

• Lectio Divina

• St. Thomas Aquinas and the Divine Mercy Chaplet

• St. Faustina

Prayer for the repose of the soul of Daniel Kapler, Shane’s dad and for Lori Wright, Jennifer’s aunt.

Journaling Questions

1. Do you have a normal prayer routine? What does it look like? Could it use a reset? Take some time to reflect on this.

2. How often do you pray the Rosary?

3. What are your thoughts on the fact that there are so many similarities between the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet? Did you ever think about the fact that there could be a relationship between them?

4. Have you ever tried Lectio Divina, the practice of taking a particular verse on scripture and mediating on it? If not, try it practicing the prayer

5. In talking about the best time to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet being three o’clock, Shane brought up the point that “it’s three o’clock somewhere.” Does that give you encouragement to pray it more frequently, regardless of what time it might be where you are? Why or why not?

6. What is your biggest takeaway from this episode?

7. What is your mourning glory?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

God Bless!

Shownotes

In this episode, host Jennifer Thomas and Johanna Stamps have a conversation about the ways in which grief can unite us. Johanna shares about a recent loss and how she has been moving forward with a different perspective as a grief coach who is also grieving by sharing the three L's she mentioned in a recent newsletter:

• First L: Let the tears flow

• Second L: Listen

• Third L: Look for opportunities to commemorate

Our Guest

Johanna is a writer, author, retreat facilitator and coach.  She is a featured contributor on  Her View From Home and Catholic Mom.  Johanna coaches her clients using traditional ICF coaching and the Grief Recovery Method. She is a certified Advanced GRM Specialist and is a Certified Professional Life Coach.  You can sign up to receive her weekly Reflections & Inspirations where she speaks transparently about her own losses and the themes she’s encountering every week.  Currently her multigenerational household is hatching beach plans to their favorite secret beaches in Virginia.

Connect with Our Guest 

• Website: Positive Doing Coach

• Email Johanna: [email protected]

Links

• Garden Memorial Stone (mentioned by Jennifer)

Prayer for the repose of the souls of Johanna’s aunt Jan and Jennifer’s aunt Lori.

Journaling Questions

1. In the beginning of the interview, Jennifer and Johanna talk about the importance of leaning into our grief. Have you found that to be difficult and uncomfortable?
2. What do you think could help you be able to allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with your own grief?
3. Johanna stressed the importance of taking the time to process your grief and creating a space where you feel comfortable to process everything. What is a space you could create to allow this to happen?
4. Do you struggle with stillness and silence? Take some time to think about what it is that makes it a struggle for you and write about it, whatever comes to mind. Or, share your thoughts with a trusted friend.
5. How can you implement the three “L’s”(Let the tears flow; Listen; and Look for opportunities to commemorate) into your grieving process. Do you find yourself having trouble with these? If so, take some time to discern if this could be helpful for you.
6. What are some tools you’ve used to help you in your grief or sorrow?
7. If you have found yourself avoiding your own grief, take some time to explore why.
8. What is your mourning glory?

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. 

~ God Bless!

**Trigger Warning: This episode may be sensitive to some listeners and viewers, as it discusses the topic of domestic abuse. Listener and viewer discretion is advised.

***Disclaimer: If you are a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse seeking information or assistance or know someone who is, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word “START” to 88788.

Show Notes 

In previous episodes, we’ve explored a variety of stories that have shared the different ways we can grieve and the different types of losses we may experience. However, some experiences with grief and loss can prove far more complex, especially when someone is dealing with grief and loss while still in the presence of the person or even in a relationship. How can one both move through the unique type of grief associated with domestic abuse? Is it possible to heal from it and become whole? 

In this episode, Jennifer has a conversation about a topic that may be difficult to hear or watch. Tune in to this candid interview with our guest, Jenny duBay, as she courageously shares about a topic near and dear to her heart to help others know they are not alone. 

Our Guest

Jenny duBay writes historical fiction inspired by the lives of medieval mystics - women who walked through chaos, suffering, and spiritual fire, and emerged with a grace that still speaks across centuries. Their courage became a lifeline in her own healing journey. Now she tells their stories, weaving history with themes of resilience, beauty, and the search for truth, so they can inspire others the way they inspired me.

In addition to her fiction, she also writes non-fiction for women navigating betrayal, trauma, or spiritual wounds—not with formulas or platitudes, but with honesty, clarity, and the reminder that they are not alone.

Connect with Our Guest 

• www.jennydubay.com

• Contact Jenny duBay 

• Facebook

• Substack

Saint Quotes

• “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” - Julian of Norwich

• "I am she who is not; God is the One Who is.” - St. Catherine of Siena

Scripture

• Revelation. 21:5

• “Ask and ye shall receive.” Luke 11:9

• “[I] can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens [me].” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

• Psalm 55: A Lament over Betrayal

• "Blessed are You, O God, with every pure blessing ... Blessed are You because You have made me glad. It has not turned out as I expected, but You have dealt with us according to Your great mercy" (Tobit 8:15-16).

Links

• Cognitive Dissonance/Distortion

• Hope’s Garden

• Don’t Plant Your Seeds Among Thorns: A Catholic’s Guide to Recognizing and Healing from Domestic Abuse

• “When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women

• World Between Worlds: A Novel Based on the Early Life of Caterina, the Mystic of Siena 

Prayer for the repose of the soul of Kendall Jones, Jenny’s brother-in-law; all the ladies of the Hope’s Garden Community and all victims of domestic abuse

Journaling Questions

1. What part of Jenny’s story touched you most? Were there parts that you related to more than others?

2. Jenny quoted two very powerful and influential saints, Saint Julian of Norwich and St. Catherine of Siena. Which of the two resonated most with you?

3. Jennifer and Jenny touched on the topic of “cognitive dissonance” or “cognitive distortion. Are there instances in your life, whether related to abuse or not, when you have experienced this? What were the circumstances? Has there been any resolution?

4. Jenny spoke of the many different types of abuse and the fact that with domestic abuse, it is a pattern of behavior. How does this change the way you view domestic abuse?

5. Of the scripture verses mentioned and discussed in this episode, which one struck you most and why?

6. What changed, if anything, about your view of domestic violence after listening to this episode?

7. What is your mourning glory?

.